Mcclendon Spring Campground

4.03

41 reviews

Quick Facts

4,849 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Bureau of Land Management (BLM) site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

4,849 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Bureau of Land Management (BLM) site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Mcclendon Spring Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No fees are explicitly stated for this campground. It is suggested in user reviews that the campground is free ('Nice, out of the way free camping...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

208-677-6600BLM_ID_BurleyOffice@blm.gov

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What Campers Say

4.03

Satisfactory

Based on 41 reviews

41 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietpeacefulclean

"User reviews highlight McClendon Spring Campground as a serene and picturesque location, appreciated for its solitude and natural beauty. Common themes include the peaceful atmosphere, well-maintained pit toilet, and rugged access road."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Mcclendon Spring Campground

42.3356, -113.4072

Driving directionsLocated approximately 5 miles northwest of Malta, Idaho. Follow signs from Highway 77 west of Malta.

The road to the campground is gravel and described as uneven, with deep potholes in places, making it unsuitable for vehicles with low ground clearance, such as cars with a lower body. Reviewers noted that navigating this road is challenging for larger RVs (e.g., 30' RVs) or fifth-wheel trailers due to dips and potholes.

Nearby places

Malta (approximately 5 miles)

Declo (distance unspecified)

Albion (distance unspecified)

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies, including fuel, groceries, and camping essentials, are likely available in Malta, which is the nearest town, approximately 5 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Mcclendon Spring Campground

The high desert plays by its own rules at McClendon Spring, painting dramatic contrasts between scorching days and startlingly cold nights. Summer visitors should prepare for nature's extremes—blazing afternoon sun gives way to evenings that demand warm layers, while biting insects emerge to claim their territory near stagnant water sources. Spring awakens the landscape with wildflowers and comfortable temperatures, making it prime time for exploration. Fall brings crisp air and golden light perfect for photography, as the desert settles into its most hospitable mood. This unforgiving yet beautiful climate shapes every experience, reminding visitors they've entered a landscape that demands respect.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

2.5 / 5

Summers bring high heat, bugs and stagnant water issues; less recommended by users.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Users recommend fall for comfortable weather and fewer insects.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring recommended for comfortable weather and better insect conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.5 / 5

No winter reviews; high-desert nights can be very cold and accessibility is unclear.

Planning Tips

About Mcclendon Spring Campground

Tucked into the rugged embrace of the Cotterel Mountains, McClendon Spring Campground beckons adventurers seeking solitude in Idaho's high desert. Just 5 miles northwest of Malta, this intimate, semi-developed sanctuary carries whispers of the past—once a vital respite for weary California Trail emigrants pushing westward toward their dreams. Today, hunters track upland birds and deer through the same sagebrush-dotted landscape, while modern travelers discover a rare commodity: profound silence broken only by wind through the canyons. Here, where expansive vistas stretch to the horizon, visitors find space to breathe deeply and reconnect with the raw beauty of the American West.

McClendon Spring Campground is a semi-developed BLM-managed site offering a combination of primitive camping with limited facilities.

Historical SignificanceLong before wagon wheels carved ruts into this landscape, Indigenous peoples recognized the spring's life-giving importance in this arid realm. The California Trail later transformed McClendon Spring into a crucial waypoint where thousands of emigrants paused to water their oxen and gather strength for the journey ahead. Picture the scene: dust-covered pioneers filling water barrels, children splashing in the precious spring, dreams of golden California temporarily set aside for the simple relief of fresh water. These layered histories—Native American heritage intertwined with westward expansion stories—infuse the campground with a palpable sense of time's passage.

Weather and SeasonsThe high desert plays by its own rules at McClendon Spring, painting dramatic contrasts between scorching days and startlingly cold nights. Summer visitors should prepare for nature's extremes—blazing afternoon sun gives way to evenings that demand warm layers, while biting insects emerge to claim their territory near stagnant water sources. Spring awakens the landscape with wildflowers and comfortable temperatures, making it prime time for exploration. Fall brings crisp air and golden light perfect for photography, as the desert settles into its most hospitable mood. This unforgiving yet beautiful climate shapes every experience, reminding visitors they've entered a landscape that demands respect.

ElevationPerched at moderate altitude in Idaho's high-desert country, the campground offers the characteristic thin, dry air that sharpens distant views and intensifies both sunshine and starlight. While specific elevation markers remain unrecorded, visitors will notice the landscape's elevated position through cooler mornings and the expansive sight lines typical of mountain desert environments.

Natural Features and SceneryDawn breaks spectacularly over McClendon Spring, painting the Cotterel Mountains in shades of rose and gold while deer emerge from hidden draws to graze. This rugged high-desert canvas unfolds in every direction—weathered peaks, vast sagebrush seas, and sky that seems impossibly wide. Free-range cattle occasionally wander through like ghosts of the Old West, while overhead, raptors ride thermal currents. As darkness falls, the show continues: with minimal light pollution, the Milky Way blazes across the sky in a display that leaves city dwellers speechless. It's a landscape that rewards patience—sit still long enough, and the desert reveals its subtle magic.

Geological RegionThe ancient Cotterel Mountains cradle McClendon Spring in their weathered embrace, showcasing millions of years of geological drama etched in stone. This rugged, semi-developed outpost sits within striking distance of the famous City of Rocks, where granite spires create a natural sculpture garden. The high-desert terrain tells its own story through exposed rock faces, hidden springs, and ecosystems perfectly adapted to extremes. Upland bird habitats thrive in the varied topography, while mule deer navigate ancient game trails between mountain mahogany groves. It's a landscape shaped by time, weather, and the patient work of erosion—a geological masterpiece hiding in plain sight.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

There is a 2-week stay limit according to user reviews ('free with state sticker, 2 week stay').

Groups

No explicit group sites are mentioned, but one site is noted as suitable for larger groups with multiple tents or trailers.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground consists of 4-5 primitive sites. The layout includes a pit toilet, fire pits at some sites, and picnic tables, though the area is described as small and not suitable for large groups or extensive stays.

Reservation PlatformsNot applicable; reservations are not accepted.

Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground is entirely first-come, first-served, as reservations are not accepted.

Cancellation PolicyReservations are not available; the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features were noted in the sources, but user reviews indicate that the rugged terrain and uneven dirt roads may pose challenges for individuals with mobility impairments.

Site SizeSites appear to vary slightly, but the campground is described as small with approximately 4-5 sites, a few of which are larger and can accommodate groups or trailers.

PrivacyReviews suggest that the sites provide some privacy, but the campground's small size means close proximity to other campers during peak use.

Total Campsites5 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose the largest site at the entrance for the best views, especially if camping with a group. Avoid visiting in summer to minimize exposure to insects and stagnant water.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

This campground serves as a peaceful retreat offering opportunities for nature observation and solitude. Activities include hiking, bird watching, and enjoying the scenic views. The area is also popular for upland bird and deer hunting.

HikingThe surrounding Cotterel Mountains offer trails for hiking, though specific trail details are not provided. The terrain is described as rugged.

Wildlife viewingWildlife such as deer and free-range cattle are frequently mentioned. The area also offers bird-watching opportunities.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include uneven, gravel roads with deep potholes, making access challenging for low-clearance vehicles, large RVs, or trailers. Summer visitors may also encounter a high density of insects, stagnant water, and intense weather conditions.

Fire PolicyNo specific fire policies are provided.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are likely in Malta, approximately 5 miles away. Specific emergency service locations are not listed.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not mentioned in the sources, so it is recommended campers pack out their waste.

Water FeaturesNo significant water features are mentioned in the provided data.

Camp HostReviews suggest that the campground is informally maintained ('young women tending the grounds') but no official host information is available.

Weather at Mcclendon Spring Campground

Reviews

4.0

41 reviews

Satisfactory

Mcclendon Spring Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight McClendon Spring Campground as a serene and picturesque location, appreciated for its solitude and natural beauty. Common themes include the peaceful atmosphere, well-maintained pit toilet, and rugged access road.

Review Summaries

Based on 41 reviews

What Campers Love

- Scenic views and beautiful sunsets - Quiet and peaceful environment - Clean and well-maintained pit toilet - Large sites suitable for groups - Free camping - Opportunities for solitude and...

Based on 41 reviews

Common Concerns

- Rugged and uneven dirt road with large potholes - Lack of shade at certain sites - Presence of bugs in summer months, particularly in stagnant water areas - Limited facilities and amenities

Based on 41 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Bring a high-clearance vehicle for navigating the rough dirt road. - Visit during spring or fall to avoid extreme weather and bugs. - Bring binoculars for wildlife viewing. - Pack out all trash due...

Based on 41 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer: High temperatures, bugs, and stagnant water are noted downsides. Spring/Fall: Users recommend visiting during these seasons for more comfortable weather and fewer insects. Winter: No reviews...

Based on 41 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "This place is magical. It's a place where time stops." - nat bell 2. "Amazing camp spot. Lots of space. Crazy views and sunrise." - Christine Folz 3. "The dirt road that leads to this campground...

Based on 41 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

- Site near the entrance is ideal for large groups with trailers or multiple tents. - The largest site offers a beautiful view, according to Deena M. - Leveling challenges for trailers at certain...

Based on 41 reviews